178. Beat the Festive Binge with Kathryn Hansen

In episode 178 of The Alcohol ReThink Podcast, Patrick and Kathryn discuss the challenges of over-drinking and overeating during the festive season.

They explore the common mindset of indulgence in December, the false promise of January as a fresh start, and the importance of feeling in control.

They emphasise the need to redefine celebration, cope with holiday pressures, and create new rituals that support healthier choices.

The discussion also highlights the significance of mindset shifts from scarcity to abundance, encouraging listeners to focus on the benefits of moderation and self-compassion.

In this conversation, Patrick and Kathryn explore the complexities of urges related to eating and drinking, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and mindfulness.

They discuss the all-or-nothing mindset, the distinction between essential needs and conditioned desires, and practical grounding techniques to manage urges.

The dialogue also delves into the role of fear and self-doubt during challenging times, particularly around the holidays, and concludes with a focus on progress over perfection in personal growth and identity transformation.

Key Takeaways

- Feeling in control is essential during the holidays.

- January often feels like a letdown after December's indulgence.

- Indulging in December can make January harder.

- Celebration can exist without overindulgence.

- It's important to disconnect celebration from harmful behaviours.

- Creating new rituals can help break old patterns.

- Being honest about your choices can reduce pressure from others.

- Focusing on the benefits of taking a break from drinking is key.

- Compassion for yourself is crucial in this journey.

- Mindset shifts from scarcity to abundance can empower healthier choices. Understanding that urges are a natural reaction of the brain.

- Compassion for oneself is crucial when dealing with food cravings.

- It's important to set reasonable stopping points for eating.

- The all-or-nothing mindset can lead to feelings of failure.

- Small changes can lead to significant progress over time.

- Identifying essential needs versus conditioned desires is key.

- Grounding techniques can help disrupt negative thought patterns.

- Redirecting focus can alleviate the intensity of urges.

- Fear can indicate a desire for change and freedom from unhealthy habits.

- Creating a new identity is essential for long-term success.